A Visit from the {other} Wells

In February, we were overjoyed to welcome the California (USA) Wells to Cambodia. Nate’s parents, sister-in-law, Kimberly, and niece, Aubrey, had visited us previously, but this was the first time for his brother, Jason, and the rest of the kids, Allie and Ethan. They were here for a combined total of three weeks, the younger Wells arriving first, followed by an overlap week with Nate’s parents, which we spent mostly in Siem Reap, and then a week or so with just Grandpa and Grandma. It was a busy, fun-filled twenty-one days with our beloved family (whom we hadn’t seen since Paton was 6 weeks old). We are so incredibly grateful for the time and financial sacrifice that was necessary for them to visit us and all of the extra ways that they chose to bless us. Here’s a collage of memories from these precious moments with them.

Excitedly waiting for family at the airport

They’re here!

The Becks (team mates) joined us in welcoming them, as they are old friends

Aubrey getting reacquainted with Paton

The Beck boys and Ethan playing ball

Ava wanted to join them

Sunday breakfast-before-Khmer church at our favorite gas station coffee stop–Caltex

Ava was excited to have Ethan join her at Sunday school

Nate translating the sermon

On our way for some quality girl time at Daughters

$3 Pedicures for all!

Fun feet!

Ava fell asleep on the ride back

We were a bit stuffed in the tuk tuk…

…since we had a piece of furniture with us, ha ha.

Everyone helped to set it up–a local carpenter made a shoe bench (with baskets) for us

Family bonding over a Settlers game!

Ethan and Ava playing with the wooden version of paper dolls

And back at the airport to welcome Gramps and Grandma!

They’re here!

Big hugs

Visiting the Royal Palace

Sweet cousins

A model of Angkor Wat in the foreground

Outside the palace grounds

Fun times

Somebody loves her cousin

Dinner at the wonderful Gateway Cafe

And then to the zoo!

Taking a break from the heat

Orange tongue or fish cracker?

The bears are very friendly in Cambodia…

Exchanging Christmas gifts in February

A Cambodian drum for Ethan!

A dancing flower from G & G

Balls! from the Wells Jr. family

A vintage dollhouse set from our Leith family (originally Grandma’s)

music!

GIving hugs of thanks

On our way to Siem Reap! We left on Valentine’s Day–after exchaning some cards and gifts

Uncle Jason and Paton

Ava got to sit by Grandma!

Eating at the half-way restaurant

Aubrey’s creative way to keep the flies out of her drink

Here we are at one of the night markets

Having fun at the crocodile farm

We watched one of these big guys engulf a live duck…Duck Dynasty, crocodile-style.

More crocodile watching

Our first temple in Siem Reap–Bayon.

We arrived at dusk

The photographer and his assistant

They were setting up for a posh event.

A humongous spider

If Jason had FB, this would be a stellar profile pic

Bayon at dusk

Ava loved hanging out with her older cousins

Can you see the stone faces? (not the happy ones below)

The Wells (Jr.) family

Ava really wanted to be in the end one with Ethan

Gramps and Grandma

Our little family

Love all of the cousin shots!

Some of the performers (at the event) and Ethan

And the pride of Cambodia’s heart–Angkor Wat.

A beautiful couple

The whole clan in front of Angkor Wat. How blessed we are!

Exploring the outside wall of Angkor Wat

This was Paton’s first time to the historic temples

This was 3-year old Ava’s 3rd time, ha ha

Some of the beautiful carvings

One of the towers in Angkor Wat

Taking a rest before some of us climbed to the top

Nancy and I stayed down with the three youngest

Ethan would have loved the steep climb, but there was an age restriction (12 years?), unfortunately

Paton entertained himself with empty water bottles

Ethan taking pictures of his cousin

The group waved to us from this tower

Hello!

A steep climb, indeed!

At the base of the highest point

And on to Ta Prohm…my favorite.

These trees are breathtaking

And it wouldn’t be complete without chickens! (?)

The pool was the perfect solution after a hot day at the temples

Exploring another night market

Amazing “rice kernal” art. Check out the Eiffle Tower picture behind the gal on the left

Hanging out at one of our favorite places in SR–the Blue Pumpkin.

At the Apsara (traditional dance) show, Ava and Ethan checking out the musicians

It’s hard to see, but there are some Apsara dancers in the corner, waving at Ava, and she waved back. She was so excited.

Ava got up to see the dancers more closely

The equisite Apsara dancers

Allie and Ava enjoying the performance from a closer perspective

Paton enjoyed it too

Watching the beautiful dancers

Ava in our hotel room, making matches on the floor

More pool time!

With Gramps!

Paton REALLY wanted some of Nate’s mango smoothie

Yummy!

This was our first time at this new restaurant–The Sun–and we loved the food and atmosphere.

Visiting the local circus…an rather “interesting”, yet enjoyable experience!

Paton was fascinated

The performers were amazing!

The 7 hour drive home…

…called for a little entertainment

Allie and Ava doing the “Pin the Heart” game that they brought for Valentine’s Day

Special times

The “kids” table

Enjoying the s’mores that they brought from America

Yummy!

The girls wanted to go back to Daughters and have their hands done too

Our last tuk tuk ride with them :(

Family pictures at The Shop Too

Ava (and Paton) loved playing Go Fish with their big cousins

Hangin’ out on the last evening

Playing chess while Allie fixes Ava’s hair

Posing in the play room (under the stairs)

UNO!

Have you noticed Ava’s extreme concentration during these card games? Ha ha

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About Us

We are Nathan, Christiana, Ava and Paton, currently serving as missionaries in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. This blog was created to provide a window into our life and ministry, especially for the family, friends and supporters, who faithfully love us from afar.Learn more...

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